Medical Research Needed – Rare Sarcoma Treatment Options

Project Overview The goal of this project is to identify any evidence-based information that could realistically improve diagnosis, treatment selection, access to expert consultation, or clinical trial opportunities before treatment begins. The patient is a 34-year-old woman with a working diagnosis of localized Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS) of bone. She previously survived childhood leukemia and underwent intensive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Because of this, she has already reached lifetime maximum doses for certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation, so the standard treatment protocol may need to be modified. She is currently being treated by a multidisciplinary sarcoma team at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal. This is a Phase 1 project. If the work is valuable, a larger Phase 2 project will follow. Primary Research Question Given that this patient likely cannot receive the standard chemotherapy regimen because of previous childhood leukemia treatment, what evidence-based alternatives, expert centres, clinical trials, or additional diagnostic steps should be discussed with her oncology team before treatment begins? Research Objectives • Identify evidence-based treatment approaches when standard chemotherapy and/or radiation cannot be used because of prior childhood cancer treatment. • Identify the most relevant clinical trials that could realistically influence treatment decisions. • Identify the top international sarcoma physicians to consult if a second opinion is warranted. • Prepare the most important questions to discuss with the treating oncology team. Phase 1 Deliverables • Executive summary (maximum 5 pages). • Recommended diagnostic considerations (if any). • Evidence-based treatment alternatives. • Relevant clinical trials (only those likely to be applicable). • Top 5 sarcoma experts worldwide. • Key questions for the oncology team. Important Please prioritize actionable findings over comprehensive literature summaries. Do not assume the standard treatment protocol can be used. Support recommendations with citations and clearly distinguish between: • Established standard of care • Emerging evidence • Experimental approaches To Apply Please include: • Educational background • Experience conducting biomedical literature reviews • Experience in oncology or rare diseases • Similar projects completed • Estimated hours and timeline Phase 2 will be awarded separately to the successful Phase 1 researcher.